Co-op Development Guides and Resources

Although every co-op will approach development in its own way, there are several key steps that successful co-operatives follow to get started. We’ve summarized the co-operative development steps for your reference:

This self-assessment is intended to assist your group in understanding how far along you are in the early stages of developing your co-op, and identify some of the concepts and components that will be involved.

This guide was developed by SCA to assist groups in understanding how to complete the co-operative incorporation process in Saskatchewan. Included are details on the steps to the incorporation process, links to forms you'll need to complete, tips, and a checklist to help you successfully submit your incorporation paperwork.

Childcare Co-operatives:

The Ontario Co-operative Association has assembled a Childcare Co-operative Toolkit that includes a guidebook to starting a childcare co-op, financial planning templates, a business planning guide & much more!

Indigenous Co-operative Development

SCA partnered with the Saskatchewan First Nations Economic Development Network to develop this resource to support First Nations' co-operative development.

Local Food Co-ops:

Working Together for Local Food is a detailed resource guide aimed at inspiring and encouraging people involved in local food activities to form co-operatives. It also includes a resource guide for new and emerging co-operatives. Developed by the Canadian Co-operative Association.

Understanding Co-operative and Non-Profit Law, by Robert Dobrohoczki:

A work commissioned by Saskatchewan Co-operative Association and Le Conseil Économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan to clarify the relationship between co-operative law and non-profit and charitable status in Saskatchewan. Available materials include the complete paper, a fact sheet and an article.

Worker Co-operatives and Employment Law in Canada

This paper, provided by the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation, examines the relationship between worker co-operatives and employment law in Canada. It provides information on the definition of an employee, the rights of members, the rights of employers, the method of proper termination and the role of labour unions. The paper provides recommendations for worker co-operatives to consider as they navigate the legislation in order to create a strong co-operative and a workplace beneficial to its membership.